Proposed Quality Rating Scheme Consultation

Overview

The City Council is considering introducing a Quality Rating Scheme for private hire operators that are licensed by the Licensing and Public Protection Committee.

The scheme envisages a system similar to that of the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) from the Food Standards Agency, to be published on the Birmingham City Council website, allowing members of the public to make informed choices and compare the standard of private hire operators against each other.

It is anticipated that publicising the rating of operators assessed under the scheme will give greater customer confidence in their choice of operator, hence increasing competition and driving up standards across the trade.

The proposed scheme will cover all licensed Private Hire Operators, within Birmingham, and the scoring of the business will be based on compliance with the indicators listed on the assessment form, see attached document.

There are 45 items on which each operator will be assessed.  One point will be allocated for compliance with all aspects of each item.

In an attempt to make operators more accountable for their drivers, 5 points will be deducted if a driver representing their company is cautioned or prosecuted for plying for hire.

There will be 2 types of indicator on which the assessments will be based:

Essential criteria: based on the new proposed conditions attached to each operator licence.

Bonus criteria: evidence of written policies and procedures to demonstrate best practice, support for their own staff through training and implementing measures to enhance consumer experience and safety.

There are 28 Essential criteria and 17 Bonus items.

Each operator will then be allocated a quality rating based on their score:

• <10 points– Licensed.
• 11-20 points– Bronze.
• 21-30 points– Silver.
• >30 points – Gold.
• All points awarded – Platinum.

It is anticipated that assessments will be on an annual basis, conducted during routine inspections.  If an operator wishes to make improvements and apply for a secondary inspection, they may do so on payment of a fee.

The results of the quality rating will be published on City Council website.

Why your views matter

The scheme is similar to that of the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) from the Food Standards Agency, allowing members of the public to make informed choices and compare the standard of private hire operators against each other.